Extra folic acid?

kat4905

Hi,

I am 6 weeks pregnant and 35 years old. In anticipation of having to undergo fertility treatment, my OB/GYN advised me to take extra folic acid in April.

I just conceived (without starting the fertility treatment) and just went for my initial prenatal appointment with a new OB/GYN (my old one didn't deliver to the hospital I like) and she prescribed me an extra 1 milligram of folic acid daily.

The pharmacy questioned it when I picked it up and now I'm wondering. I've read that extra folic acid may be harmful, but my OB/GYN is very experienced, so I don't think she would lead me astray.

Anyone else take extra folic acid when pregnant?

kelley72

Yes, I have been taking 800mcg while ttc and now my prenatals have 800mcg and I take 2x a day, I go to my 1st apt on Monday but yes the extra folic is recommended lack/deficiency can cause neural tube defects

Guennie

I take twice the normal amount but it's because I have MTHFR, two defects. I hadn't heard of having to take more than what you get from prenatals for any other reason. In my case, my body doesn't metabolize it well so I have to force extra in to get enough. I actually take folate since it's the natural form rather than synthetic folic acid, and my prenatal has whole food sourced folate as well.

RedLucia

I took extra (in addition to the prenatal dose) during the preconception and 1st trimester, because I'd read that AMA is associated with poorer absorption and metabolism of folic acid. 

I cannot remember what the upper unsafe limit was for folic acid, but at the time, I cut the extra folic acid supplement in half, because taking the entire dose went over the suggested upper limit for supplemental folic acid.

Folic acid is best absorbed without food. There is more info here:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/

Tigger & pooh

I am prescribed 4 mg in addition to the 800mcg in my prenatal. I wouldn't be too worried about your dose.

bargainbabe75

I was on 1mg for three months and then 0.4mg for two more months. I've just finished to last pack. This info may not be of help but hopefully a little reassuring  

icogburn

Yes, I was advised to take extra folic acid by my fertility doctor.